President’s Day Weekend (February 14-16), enjoy 1000s of U.S. National Parks, Historical Sites, and other national scenic and recreational areas for FREE! This special fee-free weekend, is sponsored by the U.S. National Parks service and is only offered a few times a year (see other dates below).

Details, Details What: Find out more about how to get free admission to the U.S. National Parks, here. You’ll also find helpful planning info here.When: Saturday to Monday, February 14-16, 2015
Times vary by park location.Where: Go herefor a list of the 400 participating National Parks that are participating in free entrance days. A list of all National Parks managed sites can be found here.Cost: FREE! Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees,
and transportation entrance fees.

Need a little more time to plan? Take note of these other
FREE National Parks entrance dates during 2015:

April 18-19 ~ Opening Weekend of National Park Week

August 25 ~ National Park Service Birthday

September 26 ~ National Public Lands Day

November 11 ~ Veterans Day

Plus, FREE Annual Passes For Active Duty Military FamiliesGo here to find out how to get free annual parks passes through the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – offered FREE to all active duty military members and their dependents.

TODAY ONLY — Amazon has a great $9.99 deal on this cute jeans and top set, designed to fit an 18″ American Girl doll or other compatible 18″ dolls. We looked at the glowing reviews — customers have rated this 4.5 out of 5 stars and say that the doll clothes are well-made.

Kick up your heels and join West 7th merchants as they celebrate the annual Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo with a fun event including live music by the Casey Thompson Band, a trick western roper — even line dancing lessons! Be sure to bring your stock show badge or rodeo ticket to take advantage of special offers at participating West 7th merchants.

Details, details
What: Learn more about the West 7th Rodeo Night Event here.
When: Friday, January 23 from 6:00 to 8:00pm.Where: West 7th is located at the SE corner of West 7th Street and University Drive North.Cost: FREE!

Kick up your heels and enjoy acres of excitement and western heritage at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Events include rodeo (extra ticket required), free musical entertainment, petting zoo, family friendly exhibits, premier livestock shows, and more ~ the schedule of events is fresh each day.

Want to attend for FREE or cheap? Be sure to check out our savings guide for more than 10 ways to get free tickets and save on admission and rodeo tickets.

Details, details
What: The 2015 Stock Show and Rodeo event schedule changes daily. Go here to learn more.When: Now through February 7. Where:3400 Burnett-Tandy Dr. A special Park & Ride shuttle will be available Saturdays and Sundays during the Stock Show. It will take you directly from Ridgmar Mall or Billy Bob’s to the front gate, pick you up, and return you to your vehicle parking lot for only $1.00 each way (pretty slick!). To find out more, click here.
Cost: For opportunities to attend the Stock Show and Rodeo for FREE or Half Price click here. Otherwise, General Admission is: Adults $10, Kids 6 to 16 $5, and Children 5 & Under FREE.

The Kimbell Kids drop-in program introduces children (ages 12 and under) and their adult companions to fun and inspiring ways to enjoy art together. Each session features a brief gallery activity and a related studio-art project. Sign up at the entrance to the education studios in the Renzo Piano Pavilion one hour before the program. Do note that you may want to arrive early to sign up as space is very limited.

:: FREE Admission to 3 Great Fort Worth Museums…Now through February 7, 2015

If you will be attending the Stock Show & Rodeo this year, be sure and hang onto your ticket stubs and take part in the “Moo-seum” program. With your rodeo or grounds admission ticket you can get FREE admission (until February 7th) to The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame or the Cattle Raisers Museum. For adults, that’s a savings of $24 if you visit all 3!

Details, detailsWhat: Learn more about the “Moo-seum” program, here. When: Now through February 7, 2015Where: Learn about the Fort Worth Museum of Science, here. Go here to learn about the Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame and click here to get info about the Cattle Raisers Museum.Cost: FREE, with Stock Show & Rodeo Ticket Stub.

::

:: FREE Prune Like A Pro Gardening Class at Calloway’s…Saturday, January 24, 2015

This Saturday, Calloway’s Nursery is hosting a gardening clinic focused on learning to prune like a pro ~ a great class to learn why, when and how to prune your trees and shrubs. Proper and timely pruning is key to healthy attractive trees and shrubs. Learn the secrets of the pros so that you can prune your own plants to bring out their natural beauty.The event is FREE and open to the public.

Details, details
What: For more info about Calloway’s and this event, click here.When: Saturday, January 24, 2015 ~ 10:15am.Where: Any Calloway’s store location in DFW.
Find a store near you, here.Cost: FREE!

Want to go fishing or take your kids fishing, but don’t know where to start? Bass Pro in Grapevine offers a kids fishing event every Saturday from 11am to 1pm. This is a great experience for your kids, and you will love to see the joy that first fish brings to the face of your child. Kids will learn how to bait their own hook and catch live fish in the Bass Pro pond. Equipment and bait provided.

Join Williams-Sonoma’s weekly Junior Chef Class where they will show kids how fun and easy cooking can be. They’ll learn to make delicious recipes, from main courses to desserts and snacks, with plenty of tasting along the way. In this class, it’s A-OK to eat with your fingers—no forks required! They’ll teach you how to make scrumptious finger foods that are great for snacks, lunch and dinner. Suitable for ages 9–13. Note: You’ll want to call to reserve your spot since class size is limited.

Details, detailsWhat: For more information and to view the current month’s schedule for Williams-Sonoma Junior Chef Cooking classes and demonstrations, click here.When: Saturday, January 24, 2015. Note: 1 hour class times vary from store to store, so be sure to call for exact time & date.Where: Go here to find a Williams Sonoma store near you.Cost: FREE! Call your local store to RSVP.

Join Pottery Barn for an in-store class, where they will share helpful tips for selecting and arranging furniture, choosing window treatments, and accessorizing the bedroom for comfort and style.

Details, detailsWhat: For more information, go to Pottery Barn’s event site.
When: Class takes place January 25, 2015. Times differ by store so be sure to call your local store to verify class time.Where:Go here to find a Pottery Barn store near you.
Cost: FREE!

Hear classic western music come to life as Cowtown Opry members perform a free music exhibition on the steps of the Livestock Exchange building. This live family friendly music event will take place every Sunday and will feature a different theme each week ~ Western Gospel music will be featured on the 5th Sunday of the month.

Details, DetailsWhat: For more information, visit theCowtown Opry website.When: Sunday, January 25, 2015, 2:00PM.
See the complete performance schedule here.Where: The live performance will take place on the steps of the historic Livestock Exchange building ~ 131 East Exchange Ave. in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.Cost: FREE!

::

:: Take a FREE Cooking Technique Class at Williams-Sonoma …And, Get 10% OFF Your In-store Purchase!…Sunday, January 25, 2015

In this weekend’s in-store class, Williams-Sonoma will help you prepare to invite friends over for the big football game and serve up hearty, crowd-pleasing dishes — from fun finger foods to piquant chili. They’ll share some winning, make-ahead recipes (so you won’t miss the kickoff) as well as creative ways to serve everything up. Plus, if you attend this class, you can enjoy 10% OFF savings on same-day purchases from their stores. Note: You’ll want to call to reserve your spot since class size is limited.

Details, detailsWhat: For more information and to view the current month’s schedule for Williams-Sonoma technique classes and demonstrations, click here.When: Sunday, January 25, 2015. Note: 1 hour class times vary from store to store, so be sure to call for exact times and date.Where: Go here to find a Williams-Sonoma store near you.Cost: FREE! Call your local store to RSVP.

————————————————————————–

ABOUT THE FRUGAL & FUN FT. WORTH WEEKEND EDITION –Fridays, we post ideas for FREE (or really cheap) weekend entertainment for you and your family.Subscribe to our blog updates and you’ll receive this weekly weekend guide along with more budget stretching ideas and tips throughout the week!Subscribe for FREE (here)!

:: FREE Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo All Western Parade…Saturday, January 17, 2015

Oh I love a parade! Over 100,000 people will line the streets of downtown Fort Worth to watch the “All Western Parade” and to celebrate the opening of the 2015 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. This traditional event is held each year and boasts being the largest western themed parade, as well as the longest 100% non-motorized (no cars) parade in the world. The parade will feature over 4,000 participants including covered wagons, horses, more than 1,000 head of livestock, and of course lots of cowboys!

Details, details
What: Learn more about the All Western Paradehere.
When: Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 11:00AMWhere: The parade starts in front of the Tarrant County Courthouse (Downtown at Weatherford and Main Streets), turns right on Main towards the Convention Center, and loops back to the Courthouse on Houston St. Click here to view the 2015 parade route.
Park: Park at one of the many FREE downtown lots or garages (the parking garage next to Bass Hall, etc.) and walk to your viewing spot.Cost: FREE! You can also choose pay to secure reserved seats at the Sundance Square Plaza or in front of the Convention Center.

::

:: 2015 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Starts Today!…Friday, January 16 through February 7, 2015

Kick up your heels and enjoy acres of excitement and western heritage at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Events include rodeo (extra ticket required), free musical entertainment, petting zoo, family friendly exhibits, premier livestock shows, and more ~ the schedule of events is fresh each day.

Want to attend for FREE or cheap? Be sure to check out our savings guide for more than 10 ways to get free tickets and save on admission and rodeo tickets.

Details, details
What: The 2015 Stock Show and Rodeo event schedule changes daily. Go here to learn more.When: January 16 through February 7. Where:3400 Burnett-Tandy Dr. A special Park & Ride shuttle will be available Saturdays and Sundays during the Stock Show. It will take you directly from Ridgmar Mall or Billy Bob’s to the front gate, pick you up, and return you to your vehicle parking lot for only $1.00 each way (pretty slick!). To find out more, click here.
Cost: For opportunities to attend the Stock Show and Rodeo for FREE or Half Price click here. Otherwise, General Admission is: Adults $10, Kids 6 to 16 $5, and Children 5 & Under FREE.

::

:: FREE Fishing Fun for Young Anglers in Keller…Saturday, January 17, 2015

Bring your fishing pole, favorite bait, and an adult fishing buddy for a morning of easy casting at Bear Creek Park in Keller. Texas Parks and Wildlife and Keller Parks and Recreation join together to sponsor a fun time of family fishing and other events including contests and prizes. The pond will be stocked with rainbow trout, and there will be prizes and fishing skill challenges. For ages 16 & younger.

:: FREE Admission to 3 Great Fort Worth Museums…Now through February 7, 2015

If you will be attending the Stock Show & Rodeo this year, be sure and hang onto your ticket stubs and take part in the “Moo-seum” program. With your rodeo or grounds admission ticket you can get FREE admission (until February 7th) to The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame or the Cattle Raisers Museum. For adults, that’s a savings of $24 if you visit all 3!

Details, detailsWhat: Learn more about the “Moo-seum” program, here. When: Now through February 7, 2015Where: Learn about the Fort Worth Museum of Science, here. Go here to learn about the Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame and click here to get info about the Cattle Raisers Museum.Cost: FREE, with Stock Show & Rodeo Ticket Stub.

If you have always wanted to learn the art of fly casting don’t miss this in depth overview on gear, techniques, fly patterns, water conditions and recommendations on where to fly fish locally. Cabela’s expert outfitters will then gear you up at the fly shop for casting lessons at Lone Star Lake. (Weather permitting) FREE but RSVP required by calling the fly shop 817-337-2400.

Join Williams-Sonoma’s weekly Junior Chef Class where they will show kids how fun and easy cooking can be. They’ll learn to make delicious recipes, from main courses to desserts and snacks, with plenty of tasting along the way. At this week’s class, kid’s will learn how to make delicious burgers along with some great toppings. Suitable for ages 9–13. Note: You’ll want to call to reserve your spot since class size is limited.

Details, detailsWhat: For more information and to view the current month’s schedule for Williams-Sonoma Junior Chef Cooking classes and demonstrations, click here.When: Saturday, January 17, 2015. Note: 1 hour class times vary from store to store, so be sure to call for exact time & date.Where: Go here to find a Williams Sonoma store near you.Cost: FREE! Call your local store to RSVP.

Join Pottery Barn for an in-store class, where they will share helpful tips for selecting window treatments and accessorizing with the right drapery hardware. You’ll walk away with the know-how to update any window or room in your home.

Details, detailsWhat: For more information, go to Pottery Barn’s event site.
When: Class takes place January 18, 2015. Times differ by store so be sure to call your local store to verify class time.Where:Go here to find a Pottery Barn store near you.
Cost: FREE!

Hear classic western music come to life as Cowtown Opry members perform a free music exhibition on the steps of the Livestock Exchange building. This live family friendly music event will take place every Sunday and will feature a different theme each week ~ Western Gospel music will be featured on the 5th Sunday of the month.

Details, DetailsWhat: For more information, visit theCowtown Opry website.When: Sunday, January 18, 2015, 2:00PM.
See the complete performance schedule here.Where: The live performance will take place on the steps of the historic Livestock Exchange building ~ 131 East Exchange Ave. in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.Cost: FREE!

::

:: Take a FREE Cooking Technique Class at Williams-Sonoma …And, Get 10% OFF Your In-store Purchase!…Sunday, January 18, 2015

In this weekend’s in-store class, Williams-Sonoma will offer tips and techniques for cooking tasty comfort foods. You’ll learn how to make dishes that the entire family will love— and they’re easy enough to enjoy on weeknights. Plus, if you attend this class, you can enjoy 10% OFF savings on same-day purchases from their stores. Note: You’ll want to call to reserve your spot since class size is limited.

Details, detailsWhat: For more information and to view the current month’s schedule for Williams-Sonoma technique classes and demonstrations, click here.When: Sunday, January 18, 2015. Note: 1 hour class times vary from store to store, so be sure to call for exact times and date.Where: Go here to find a Williams-Sonoma store near you.Cost: FREE! Call your local store to RSVP.

————————————————————————–

ABOUT THE FRUGAL & FUN FT. WORTH WEEKEND EDITION –Fridays, we post ideas for FREE (or really cheap) weekend entertainment for you and your family.Subscribe to our blog updates and you’ll receive this weekly weekend guide along with more budget stretching ideas and tips throughout the week!Subscribe for FREE (here)!

We just discovered this limited Time TurboTax Savings for Amazon Prime Members, and wanted to be sure to pass it along…

Amazon has a great offer on TurboTax for Prime Members ~ $29.99 for TurboTax Deluxe Federal + E-File 2014 for PC or Mac (retails for $49.99). If you plan to use this do-it-yourself tax software this year, you might not want to wait, as the price will unlikely stay this low for very long (historically, we’ve seen Amazon’s Turbotax price rise as Tax day approaches, and we expect this year to be no different).

Plus, Amazon is offering one of the best bonuses that we’ve seen anywhere ~ receive up to 10% bonus on top of your Federal Tax refund. Here’s how it works:

Get Up To 10% Tax Refund Bonus*! Use some or all of your federal refund to purchase an Amazon.com Gift Card from TurboTax and they will tack on an extra 10%! That means a $400 gift card purchase would become a $440 gift card*.

:: FREE ESPN College Football — Live From Sundance Square…Now Through Monday January 12, 2015

ESPN is making its last stop in Sundance Square for coverage of the inaugural College Football National Championship. Now through Monday, January 12, you can see your favorite ESPN sportscasters (including Tim Tebow!) broadcast live as they provide daily college football coverage from Sundance Square.

Details, DetailsWhat: Learn more about live ESPN broadcast here.When: Now through Monday, January 12, 2015. Go here to get the latest dates and times for the ESPN live broadcast.Where: Sundance Square Plaza, Downtown Fort Worth off Main St.Cost: FREE!

Open-format sessions join art-making and gallery activities to encourage fresh ways of looking at and responding to featured artworks and themes. Teens and adults can sign up at the entrance to the education studios in the Renzo Piano Pavilion beginning one hour before the program. Do note that you may want to arrive early to sign up as space is very limited.

Join the Central Library and Mayor Betsy Price to celebrate the quarterly conclusion of the Worth Reading literacy program with an afternoon of activities, stories, music and prizes. Check out family-friendly shows from the Noble Planetarium at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, performances by the Que Pastas, and more. event.

Details, detailsWhat: For more information about this event, click here. When: Saturday, January 10, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PMWhere: Fort Worth Central Library, 500 W. Third St.You can park on the street or in the 3rd St. & Taylor Parking Garage. The parking garage and parking meters are FREE on weekends.Cost: FREE!

The Kimbell Kids drop-in program introduces children (ages 12 and under) and their adult companions to fun and inspiring ways to enjoy art together. Each session features a brief gallery activity and a related studio-art project. Sign up at the entrance to the education studios in the Renzo Piano Pavilion one hour before the program. Do note that you may want to arrive early to sign up as space is very limited.

Want to go fishing or take your kids fishing, but don’t know where to start? Bass Pro in Grapevine offers a kids fishing event every Saturday from 11am to 1pm. This is a great experience for your kids, and you will love to see the joy that first fish brings to the face of your child. Kids will learn how to bait their own hook and catch live fish in the Bass Pro pond. Equipment and bait provided.

This Saturday, join Home Depot for a D.I.Y. Workshop where you will learn how to create a unique storage ottoman for your home, by just using wooden crates.

Details, details What: Get more information about the workshop, here.When: Saturday, January 10, 2015, 10:00AMWhere: Home Depot Home Improvement Stores. To find a participating location, click here.Cost: FREE!

Join Williams-Sonoma’s weekly Junior Chef Class where they will show kids how fun and easy cooking can be. They’ll learn to make delicious recipes, from main courses to desserts and snacks, with plenty of tasting along the way. At this week’s class kid’s will learn how to become a better baker and help out mom and dad in the kitchen. They’ll teach kids some basic baking techniques including preparing a yummy breakfast and a baked snack. Suitable for ages 9–13. Note: You’ll want to call to reserve your spot since class size is limited.

Details, detailsWhat: For more information and to view the current month’s schedule for Williams-Sonoma Junior Chef Cooking classes and demonstrations, click here.When: Saturday, January 10, 2015. Note: 1 hour class times vary from store to store, so be sure to call for exact time & date.Where: Go here to find a Williams Sonoma store near you.Cost: FREE! Call your local store to RSVP.

Hear classic western music come to life as Cowtown Opry members perform a free music exhibition on the steps of the Livestock Exchange building. This live family friendly music event will take place every Sunday and will feature a different theme each week ~ Western Gospel music will be featured on the 5th Sunday of the month.

Details, DetailsWhat: For more information, visit theCowtown Opry website.When: Sunday, January 11, 2015, 2:00PM.
See the complete performance schedule here.Where: The live performance will take place on the steps of the historic Livestock Exchange building ~ 131 East Exchange Ave. in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.Cost: FREE!

::

:: Take a FREE Cooking Technique Class at Williams-Sonoma …And, Get 10% OFF Your In-store Purchase!…Sunday, January 11, 2015

In this weekend’s in-store class, Williams-Sonoma will offer tips and techniques for cooking with nonstick pots and pans — a wonderful way to keep the amount of fat you use to a minimum. This class will cover all the basics and some healthful recipes to enjoy. Plus, if you attend this class, you can enjoy 10% OFF savings on same-day purchases from their stores. Note: You’ll want to call to reserve your spot since class size is limited.

Details, detailsWhat: For more information and to view the current month’s schedule for Williams-Sonoma technique classes and demonstrations, click here.When: Sunday, January 11, 2015. Note: 1 hour class times vary from store to store, so be sure to call for exact times and date.Where: Go here to find a Williams-Sonoma store near you.Cost: FREE! Call your local store to RSVP.

————————————————————————–

ABOUT THE FRUGAL & FUN FT. WORTH WEEKEND EDITION –Fridays, we post ideas for FREE (or really cheap) weekend entertainment for you and your family.Subscribe to our blog updates and you’ll receive this weekly weekend guide along with more budget stretching ideas and tips throughout the week!Subscribe for FREE (here)!